On Sunday, a 40-foot flatbed truck careened off a bridge near Ijora Olopa in Lagos, resulting in injuries to both the driver and a motor boy. The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) played a crucial role in rescuing the two individuals, highlighting the importance of prompt and effective response in such emergencies.
According to Adebayo Taofiq, the spokesperson for LASTMA, the unfortunate accident was attributed to the truck’s overspeeding during its ascent on the bridge.
The driver and the motor boy faced grave injuries, with the former found in a pool of blood with a head injury, while the latter suffered a severe spinal cord fracture to his waist.
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The quick action of LASTMA personnel and the intervention of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Response Unit were pivotal in evacuating the wrecked truck. Subsequently, the case was handed over to the Ijora-Badia Police Station for further investigation.
Preliminary findings indicated that the articulated truck lost control due to brake failure while jostling for ‘Right of Way’ (R.O.W) with another fully loaded truck attempting to ascend the High Bridge toward Apapa.
Remarkably, fellow articulated truck drivers in the vicinity rallied to support LASTMA personnel, aiding in the rescue of the trapped driver and motor boy.
Goriola Jimoh, known as ‘Zebra’ and leading LASTMA’s Zone 22 in Apapa, spearheaded the rescue operations. The injured driver and motor boy were promptly transported to the General Hospital at Apapa for urgent medical attention.
Bakare Oki, the General Manager of LASTMA, urged owners of articulated trucks to prioritize safety by conducting regular training and awareness campaigns for their drivers.
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Emphasizing the importance of adhering to road signs and speed limits, Oki’s appeal underscores the need for enhanced safety measures on highways within and beyond the state.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical role played by traffic management authorities and emergency response units in ensuring the safety of road users, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced by heavy-duty vehicles on congested urban roads.
